[[File:Judo throw.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|Judo throw]]'''Judo''' (柔道,means "Way of GentlenessGentle way") is a [[Japanese]] martial art developed in 1882 by [[Jigoro Kano]].
It originated from the many different schools of [[jujutsu]], specifically Tenjin Shinyo-ryu and Kito-ryu, and specializes in throws. Practioners Practitioners of judo are called judoka.
==Principles==
Judo teaches the use of leverage, quick movements, and breaking balance (崩し, ''kuzushi'') in order to throw an opponent. Another point is using one's physical and mental power efficiently.
==Techniques==
[[File:Martuak arts choke.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|New York Judo Club. 2013, Tournament of Champions]], Judo techniques are divided into throws (投げ技, ''nage-waza''), grappling techniques (固技, ''katame-waza''), and striking techniques (当て身技, ''atemi-waza''). Also crucial is learning to fall safely (受身, ''ukemi'').
''Nage-waza'' are divided into standing techniques (立ち技, ''tachi-waza''), and sacrifice techniques (捨身技, ''sutemi-waza''). ''Tachi-waza'' are divided into hand techniques (手技, ''te-waza''), hip techniques (腰技, ''koshi-waza''), and leg techniques (足技, ''ashi-waza''). ''Sutemi-waza'' are divided into supine sacrifice techniques (真捨身技, ''ma-sutemi-waza'') and side sacrifice techniques (橫捨身技, ''yoko-sutemi-waza'').
''Katame-waza'' are divided into pinning techiques (押込技, ''Osae-komi-waza''), choking techniques (絞技, ''Shime-waza''), and joint locks (関節技, ''kansetsu-waza'')
''Atemi-waza'' include punches, kicks, knee strikes, finger strikes, and elbow strikes. ''Atemi-waza'' are only practiced in kata, not free practice, since they could result in serious injury, unconsciousness, or death.
==Forms of practice==
Judo is practiced in either free practice (乱取り, ''randori''), or kata (prearranged forms).
In randori, any throw can be performed (except a few dangerous throws), and grappling techniques are also performed, except ''shime-waza''. Also exempt from randori include ''atemi-waza'', for the reasons described above.
Katas consist of ''Randori-no-kata'' (free exercise katas), which is divided into ''Nage-no-kata'' (Throwing kata), and ''Katame-no-kata'' (Grappling kata), ''Kime-no-kata'' (Decisive kata), ''Kodokan Goshin Jutsu'' (Kodokan self- defense kata), ''Ju-no-kata'' (Gentle kata), ''Itsutsu-no-kata" '' (The Five Katas), and ''Koshiki-no-kata'' (Kata of Kito-ryuAntiquity), and . There is also ''Seiryoku-zenyo-kokumin-taiiku-no-kata'' (Maximum-Efficiency National Physical Education kata), which is used by judoka to train outside the dojo.
==Resuscitation techniques==
Sometimes, a judoka is choked into unconsciousness during randori or competition, and resuscitation techniques (活法, ''kappo'') are used to resume their breathing. Kappo are not unlike [[CPR]], but do not involve mouth-to-mouth techniques.
==Kodokan==
The Kodokan, founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano, is located in [[Tokyo]], Japan. This is the international judo center. The Kodokan publishes a monthly magazine titled ''Judo'', that Kodokan members subscribe to. Members pay a monthly fee, and international stuents students can enroll. == See also == *[[Aikido]]*[[Tae Kwon Do]]*[[Karate]]*[[Brazilian Jiu-jitsu]]
==External links==
[*[http://www.judoinfo.com/ Judo Info]]
[[Category: Sports]][[Category: Martial artsJudo]]